Is it backbiting to say so-and-so is short or dark-skinned?

Question : Peace be upon you. And upon you be peace. He asks: What is the ruling on backbiting through description, Honorable Shaykh? For example, saying so-and-so is short, or so-and-so is dark-skinned, or

Answer : It is backbiting. Yes, it is backbiting. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said regarding it: . I am surprised by your knowledge of this. So whatever he dislikes of his creation or character, if you describe him with it in his absence, that is backbiting.